Best Underrated Places in Australia

Journeying throughout Australia has been eye-opening and an absolute pleasure over the years. But what I’ve discovered is that sometimes the out-of-the-way and less visited places can be better. Some of these places are probably not on your radar because they are lesser known. They may not even rate on your Australian bucket lists.

So here I have a compiled a list of my best underrated places in Australia, based on my years of travel.

Sawtell, NSW

Location: Mid North Coast of NSW (near Coffs Harbour)
Main Attractions: Moreton Bay fig tree-lined main street, boutique shopping, cool cafes, natural rock pool, headlands with majestic views, hiking tracks, golf course.
Best for: Coastal getaway with good fishing, beaches, surfing, swimming and a national park.
Things to Do Nearby: Hike in Bongil Bongil National Park, Kayak Bonville Creek, Whale watch from Bonville Headland (during season), visit some of Coffs Harbour tourist attractions like the Big Banana, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary and Forest Sky Pier, dive or snorkel at the Solitary Islands Marine Park, explore 30 other beaches along the Coffs Coast, take a road trip along Waterfall Way.

Being a coffee lover and a shopper, I really enjoyed the vibe of Sawtell with it’s coffee set and boutique shops lining the main street. But, from a scenic point of view the beaches and the headlands are stunning. Sawtell offers all the things that I find attractive.

Urunga, NSW

Location: Mid North Coast of NSW (27km from Coffs Harbour)
Main Attractions: The confluence of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, the Urunga Boardwalk, the Urunga Wetlands, The Lido beach, and caravan park that sits adjacent to the rivers.
Best for: Fishing, swimming, kayaking, walks and exploring marine life.
Things to do Nearby: Visit the nearby Raleigh Winery, surfing or fishing at Hungry Head, play a round of golf at the riverside golf course, explore Waterfall Way, Bellingen and the Dorrigo National Park.

Urunga is a surprise package with a great caravan park that sits adjacent to the confluence of the rivers and the boardwalk. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants in town including a Bowls Club and the Urunga Golf club.

Bermagui, NSW

Location: Sapphire Coast on the South Coast of NSW.
Main Attractions: Beautiful beaches, headlands, Biamanga, Gulaga and Mimosa Rocks National Parks, Wallaga Lake, Horsehead and Camel Rocks, Bermagui Fishermans Wharf, Bermagui River, and the Blue Pool.
Best For: Bushwalking, boating and big game fishing, swimming, whale watching and abundant seafood.
Things to do Nearby: Swimming, boating, sailing, water skiing, bushwalking and birdwatching at Wallaga Lake, relax at Cuttagee Beach and Lake, take a wildlife cruise to Barunguba (Montague Island), explore the national parks, or take a drive to nearby Tathra.

Bermagui is one of the prettiest towns along the South Coast, with it’s main street adjacent to Horseshoe Bay. Here there’s a pub that’s perfect for a sundowner. It features a large caravan park well located near the beach and Blue Pool. There’s plenty to keep you entertained for at least a week or two.

Gerringong, NSW

Location: South Coast of NSW, 130 km south of Sydney and 12 km from Kiama.
Main Attractions: Werri Beach, Werri Lagoon, Kiama to Gerringong Coastal Path, scenic headlands, green rolling hills, Ourie ocean pool, Cronin’s Gerringong Pub, and local wineries and brewery.
Best For: Foodies and wine lovers, surfing, coastal scenery, golf, hiking, whale watching and swimming.
Things to do Nearby: Horse riding at Kimberly Park Stud, wine tasting at Crooked River Estate, craft beer tasting at Stoic Brewery, visit Buena Vista Farm, take a drive to nearby Gerroa, Kiama, Jamberoo, Berry and Kangaroo Valley.

The hilltop village of Gerringong is staggering with panoramic views of surrounding green hills and farmlands. The sweeping Werri Beach, wedged between two headlands, with Ourie ocean pool at one end, is a perfect spot to surf or swim. Hiking along the coastal path affords the most spectacular views you would see anywhere.

Tocumwal, NSW

Location: On the northern side of the Murray River in the Riverina region of Southern NSW.
Main Attractions: Murray River with riverside camping, historical port town, Aviation Museum, The Big Cod, Heritage Railway Museum, Chrysties Museum and Golf Resort.
Best For: Riverside camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, bushwalking, history buffs and golfers.
Things to do Nearby: Drive to Tocumwal Blowhole and Rocks, bushwalking in Barmah National Park, take a scenic glider flight, or drive to Lake Mulwala (the sunsets here are incredible).

Tocumwal is an appealing little town with interesting history and museums to browse. The main street features a great old pub, many trendy shops and cafes with adjacent parklands fringing the river. The riverside camping is cheap and even free of charge in some campgrounds.

Jurien Bay, WA

Location: Coastal town 220km north of Perth in WA.
Main Attractions: Jurien Bay Marine Park, turquoise waters for fishing, swimming, diving, observing sea lions and the long pier.
Best For: Nature lovers, fishermen, divers, hikers and swimmers.
Things to do Nearby: Visit Mount Lesueur National Park, Sandy Cape, Stock Yard Gully Caves, Lake Thetis and Stomatolites, The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park and diving at the Green Head reefs.

An attractive seaside town with loads to do and see in the area for nature lovers and explorers. I particularly enjoyed having a glass of wine on the long pier watching the sky change colours from pale pink, to orange and then red. But a drive out to Sandy Cape was also a highlight.

Augusta, WA

Location: Furthest southwest corner of Australia 315 kilometres south of Perth, WA
Main Attractions: Cape Leeuwin, where the Southern and Indian Seas collide, Cape to Cape track begins/ends, Flinders Bay and Blackwood River.
Best For: Nature lovers, whale watching (in season), fishing, hiking, Mountain biking and boating or kayaking on the river.
Things to do Nearby: Guided tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Visit Jewel Cave, see the tall Karri trees in Boranup Forest, drive to Hamelin Bay to see the stingrays, and explore Grannies Pool and Foul Bay beaches.

A picturesque town that is bursting with nature and loads of opportunities for outdoor pursuits. The town itself has an upbeat vibe and offers plenty of places to eat and drink. I enjoyed a leisurely bike ride by the river.

Yallingup, WA

Location: On the west coast of Australia’s South West tourist region. 
Main Attractions: Ngilgi Cave, Canal Rocks, Three Bears, Yallingup, Smith’s Beach and Injidup surf breaks, coastal hills with wildflowers (in season) and wineries.
Best For: Surfing, swimming, wine tasting, wildflowers, hiking and exploring caves.
Things to do Nearby: Visit the wineries in the region, drive to Margaret River or Dunsborough, explore Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, discover Injidup Spa or go on a foodie tour of the region.

I loved the laidback beach town and surfy vibes of Yallingup, and its “arty farty” feel with an arts precinct just off Caves Road, bursting with art galleries. But the region is also abundant with farm to plate food experiences and wineries galore, as well as a great array of accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Kalbarri, WA

Location: Coral Coast of WA, 570km north of Perth
Main Attractions: Murchison River, Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs, Island Rock and Natural Bridge rock formations, surfing beaches, marine life, Pelican feeding, and Kalbarri National Park.
Best for: Hiking, whale watching (in season), fishing, surfing, swimming, and scenic viewpoints.
Things to do Nearby: Kalbarri National Park and gorge with Nature’s Window and Skywalk, drive to the Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake), cruise on the Murchison River, and Wagoe Beach quad biking.

You could easily spend a few weeks in Kalbarri exploring this naturally blessed region. The coastal cliffs and viewpoints for watching marine life are astounding and the Kalbarri National Park is a hiker’s dream with amazing walking trails and scenery. But it also offers the Murchison River for boating, swimming, fishing and kayaking.

Port Fairy, VIC

Location: Great Ocean Road, on Victoria’s far south-west coast.
Main Attractions: Historical Fishing Village, Moyne River, 19th century cottages, Port Fairy Folk Music Festival, historic fortifications at Battery Hill, Port Fairy Lighthouse and mutton birds on Griffith Island.
Best for: History buffs, music lovers, fishing, wildlife viewing, swimming at beaches, and hiking.
Things to do Nearby: Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Merri River Wetlands, and drive to Portland and Warrnambool.

My stay in Port Fairy included the Folk Music Festival so the town was buzzing with street musicians busking and stages set up with artists playing. The boat harbour was charming and also the little cottages throughout the town. Additionally, the town boasts some attractive gardens and parks and pristine beaches.

Inverloch, VIC

Location: 143 kilometres south east of Melbourne in Gippsland.
Main Attractions: On the mouth of Anderson Inlet, main foreshore reserve called the Glade, Screw Creek Townsend Bluff Estuary Walk, Yallock-Bulluk Marine & Coastal Park and replica of The Ripple ketch.
Best for: Seaside relaxation, fishing, boating, surfing beaches, swimming in the shallow estuary, coastal scenery and hiking.
Things to do Nearby: 12 kilometre scenic Bunurong Coastal Drive from Inverloch to Cape Paterson, Tarwin River, visit to Dirty Three Winery, Bass Coast Rail Trail, and drive to Phillip Island and Wilson’s Promontory.

Inverloch is an extremely pretty seaside town with loads of charm and beauty. It’s basically a water lover’s paradise with a choice of calm water swimming or surf beaches, but also great for hiking or biking. The scenic coastal cliff drive is a must do.

Maldon, VIC

Location: 145km north of Melbourne in the Gold Mining region of Victoria
Main Attractions: Australia’s first “notable town” by the National Trust, well preserved gold mining town, solid stone buildings and decorative shop fronts, historic railway station, Maldon Rose High Tea, Maldon Folk Festival, and Maldon Historic Area.
Best for: History buffs, gold prospectors, country stays, local craft and antiques shopping, and steam train enthusiasts.
Things to do Nearby: Wander around gold rush relics in the Maldon Historic Area, jump aboard the Victorian Goldfields Steam Train, try your luck on a gold prospecting tour in the old gold fields, drive up to the peak of Mount Tarrengower and visit nearby Castlemaine.  

For those who are into Victoria’s gold mining history, Maldon is a must see. This well-preserved gold rush mining town is like a walk down memory lane. I highly recommend jumping on the steam train and also indulging in Devonshire Tea at Rose Cafe.

Agnes Water, QLD

Location: 476km north of Brisbane in the Gladstone region.
Main Attractions: Surf beaches, Red Rock Trail, 1770 Headland and Lookout, day trip to Lady Musgrave Island, and Bustard Bay.
Best For: Fishing, boating, surfing, hiking, kayaking, whale watching (in season) and diving at Lady Musgrave Island.
Things to do Nearby: 1770 LARC Tour, day trip to Lady Musgrave Island, fishing charter, explore Deep Water and Eurimbula National Parks by 4WD, visit 1770 Distillery, sunset kayak tour, and wildlife cruise on Round Hill Creek.

This place is a fisherman’s paradise, but also boasts some good surfing at Workmans Beach. I enjoyed immersing myself into nature on a couple of the hiking trails and afterwards indulging in a frothy cappuccino overlooking Bustard Bay.

Bargara, QLD

Location: 384km north of Brisbane on the coast near Bundaberg.
Main Attractions: Southernmost gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and gateway to Lady Musgrave and Elliot Islands, shore diving and snorkelling, beautiful beaches and foreshore, and turtle hatching at Mon Repos Conservation Park.
Best For: Family holiday, swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving, and visiting local attractions in Bundaberg.
Things to do Nearby: Day trip to Lady Musgrave Island, drive to Elliot Heads, visit Bundaberg Rum Distillery, touring through Bundaberg’s food bowl, cycle from Bargara to Burnett Heads and pick your own strawberries at Tinaberries.

Bargara is the perfect spot for a family seaside holiday. There’s so much for kids to do in the area with great swimming, snorkelling and the Mon Repos turtle hatching experience. The surrounding region is a great big food bowl where you can go hunting and gathering for farm fresh produce at roadside stalls.

Winton, QLD

Location: Central Outback Queensland
Main Attractions: Outback culture, Waltzing Matilda Centre, Dinosaur Stampede, Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum ,Opal mining, and Great Artesian Basin.
Best For: Paleo-enthusiasts, Australian outback culture lovers, gem stone collectors, and history buffs.
Things to do Nearby: Bladensburg National Park and Station, Lilleyvale Hills and Cawnpore Lookout, Combo Waterhole, Lark Quarry Conservation Park, Old Cork Homestead Ruins, Opalton, and Pelican Waterhole.

From an archaeology point of view, Winton is one of the most interesting places I have visited in Australia. To realise that dinosaurs once roamed these parts, with their fossils discovered in the region in 1962, is mind blowing. But Winton delivered with its intriguing outback history and culture. It was such a friendly and inviting town.

Tumby Bay, SA

Location: Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.
Main Attraction: Sir Joseph Banks Group Marine Park and islands, Silo art, The Excell Blacksmith and Engineering Museum, Story’s Clydesdale Horse and Trolley Tour, Tumby Bay Cottage Crafts, Tumby Bay jetty, street art, and Foreshore reserve.
Best For: Vibrant art scene, history buffs, fishing, sailing, boating, bushwalking, snorkelling, and bird watching.
Things to do Nearby: 20 low-lying islands, Silo art trail, Second Creek mangrove walk, Tumby Bay lookout, rolling Koppio Hills, and drive to Lipson Cove, Port Neill, Port Lincoln.

Tumby Bay, with its close proximity to Port Lincoln, is a great alternative for an Eyre Peninsula stay. It is only a small town but boasts many local attractions and a beautiful foreshore precinct.

Port Elliot, SA

Location: Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia
Main Attractions: Horseshoe Bay, clifftops paths, whale watching, heritage buildings, and Cockle Train route.
Best For: Swimming, paddling, fishing, walking, boutique shopping, and foodies.
Things to do Nearby: The Victor Harbor horsedrawn tram, seals and penguins on Granite Island, paddlesteaming on the Murray River at Goolwa, the Encounter Bikeway, surfing at Knights or Boomer Beach, and Crows Nest Lookout.

A fabulous alternative to staying in Victor Harbor, I found that Port Elliot was quieter and more laid-back. Horseshoe Bay is the perfect spot for a beach walk and a refreshing swim in calm water.

Auburn, SA

Location: Clare Valley, South Australia
Main Attractions: Wineries, Riesling Bike Trail, farm-to-table eateries, The Rising Sun historical pub, Henry Wylie Heritage Garden, birthplace of C.J. Dennis and historic stone buildings.
Best For: Wine lovers, foodies, grapevine scenery, history, heritage walking trails and bike riders.
Things to do Nearby: Visit surrounding towns like Leasingham and Watervale, Explore the southern region of the Clare Valley, including Watervale, Polish Hill and Mintaro, drive to the copper town of Burra, visit Sevenhill churches, crypts and underground cellars, drive out to Martindale Hall, the pink Lake Bumbunga, and embark on the Clare Valley Wine and Wilderness Trail.

A lesser known wine region, the Clare Valley is a wine-lover and foodie’s dream. The area is flourishing with some historic wineries and cellar doors, in addition to some smaller boutique wineries. Auburn was a charming little town with some gorgeous stone buildings and the old Rising Sun Pub taking pride of place in the main street.

Binalong Bay, TAS

Location: North-east coast of Tasmania
Main Attractions: Gateway to Bay of Fires, diving for Tasmanian Crayfish, pristine beach, snorkelling in rock pools, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, hiking and mountain biking.
Best For: Exploring the Bay of Fires, swimming in clear pristine waters, fishing, snorkelling, hiking and kayaking.
Things to do Nearby: Hike to Skelton Bay or the top of Humbug Point reserve, explore Jeanneret Beach and Cosy Corner, 4WD to Eddystone Lighthouse, and drive to St Helens.  

This small town at the beginning of the Bay of Fires had a great beach holiday vibe about it. There are obviously many holiday homes lining the coastline that would be perfect for a long stay. If you’re into Tasmanian Crayfish it is also the perfect spot to catch some.

Stanley, TAS

Location: Far north-west coast of Tasmania
Main Attractions: The Nut, Little Penguins on Godfreys Beach, Stanley Heritage Walk, Highfield Historic Site, Stanley Discovery Museum, and Joseph Lyons Cottage.
Best For: Fresh fish and seafood, historical sites, hiking, stunning coastal scenery and wildlife.
Things to do Nearby: Scale the volcanic plug called “The Nut” or take the chairlift, visit Highfield Historic Site with panoramic views of Stanley, and take a drive to Tarkine Wilderness, Rocky Cape National Park and the Savage River National Park.

Stanley was a unique place to visit with The Nut overshadowing the old fishing village. The town boasts many historical fisherman cottages and has some interesting gift shops and boutiques. The perfect place to feast on freshly caught fish and seafood.

It always resonates with me that Australia is a big magnificent country with beauty that abounds. I must confess that I always enjoy the less popular and uninhabited places. There is a magnetic feel about some of these underrated places that is hypnotic and alluring.

Where in Australia is there an underrated place that you would like to share? For more inspiration on where to travel in Australia see some of my recent posts.